My work in U.S. Senate has often focused on keeping children safe and healthy.  I am pleased to let you know that I have joined in an effort to ban a potentially hazardous chemical, known as Bisphenol-A, from all children’s products and certain other consumer products, such as water bottles. Our legislation would also mandate a public health campaign to inform pregnant women on the risks of using certain consumer products even before a ban goes into effect.

Recent studies revealed that Bisphenol-A could pose major health risks, including risks to normal human development and reproduction, and that these exposures can occur during fetal development.  While some have called for more research, I believe that there is sufficient evidence to ban products containing Bisphenol-A, especially those intended for use by infants and children, and those that are used for food products.  

Bisphenol-A is used to make certain types of clear plastics that are shatter-resistant.  It is most commonly found in water bottles, food containers, and baby bottles. Because of wide public exposure to these products, the Centers for Disease Control reports that more than 90 percent of Americans who were in a recent study had Bisphenol-A levels at or above levels that have caused abnormalities in animal studies.

As Chairman of the Senate’s Environment and Public Works Committee, I’m working every day for the health and future of our nation’s children.  This legislation is a step in the right direction.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator